Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, celebrated its 28th foundation day on Saturday with a series of literary honours, academic recognitions and cultural events highlighting its achievements in higher education and research.The university conferred the prestigious Fakir Mohan National Literary Award-2026 on noted Hindi litterateur and journalist Balaram Prem Narain for his contribution to literature and journalism. Vyasa Gourab Samman was presented to Odia scholars Dr Laxmikanta Tripathy and Dr Soma Chand, while Priyanka Priyadarshini Das received the FM University Yuva Galpika Puraskar.Chief guest and Nilgiri MLA Santosh Khatua praised the university’s efforts in promoting quality education, research and literary culture. Vice-chancellor Prof Santosh Kumar Tripathy iterated the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, industry collaboration and community engagement.The university also released its annual report 2025-26 and Fakir Mohan Shabdabali. During his address, Balaram Prem Narain announced plans to translate the complete works of Fakir Mohan Senapati into Hindi and accepted the university’s invitation to serve as a visiting professor.Event on Population Day Utkal University on Saturday observed World Population Day with a programme organised by its Population Research Centre under the Union ministry of health and family welfare at its BARC Outreach Building.Speaking on the theme, ‘Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future’, vice-chancellor Chandi Prasad Nanda said rapid population growth and rising consumption patterns have placed immense pressure on natural resources and stressed the need for environmental sustainability.Chief guest Alok Kumar Chakrawal, vice-chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, highlighted the importance of human values and the role of parents in shaping responsible citizens. Odisha University of Health Sciences vice-chancellor Manash Ranjan Sahoo called for greater efforts to protect and empower the girl child.Padma Shri Aditya Prasad Dash and other speakers discussed population stabilisation, preventive healthcare, family welfare and youth well-being.Debut books launchedSixty students of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya-1, Bhubaneswar, launched their first published books during the Pen to Publication – Book Inauguration Ceremony held as part of KV1BBSR Book Fest 2026 recently. The initiative aimed to promote reading, creative writing and innovation among students from classes V to X.The books were inaugurated by editor Bhaskar Jena, writer and academic Dr Sakti Prasanna Mohanty and Itikili Mitikili founding secretary Sarat Kumar Nayak, who encouraged young authors to continue their literary pursuits. Students were felicitated with certificates and awards for writing and digital creativity initiatives.
